It instantly sounds like an oxymoron, Palm Beach Par 3 Course. Similar to “jumbo shrimp” or “bitter-sweet” the combination of Palm Beach, Florida and a public Par 3 golf course just sounds like something that shouldn’t exist.
Well, it does exist and it is glorious. Passing by 30, 40, and 50 million dollar homes on the way is a drive that leaves you with more questions than answers. Who, what, when ,where, and why racing through your head with every passing mansion.
A one lane road bisects the 18 hole property. To the west of that road is most of the front 9 which stretches along the Atlantic Intracoastal waterway. To the east of the road is the 2 story clubhouse and restaurant along with most of the back 9 which hugs the white sands of the famous Florida Atlantic beaches.
Palm Beach is known for its billionaires and uber private golf clubs, while public Par 3 golf courses are known to be shitty. So why is this one so nice and why is it open to the public year round? It’s a question I kept asking myself in my head, but didn’t want to say it out loud in fear of potentially letting out a secret that the rich will hear and make it theirs. But, it’s quite the opposite. Palm Beach Par 3 is owned and operated by the city, but sees plenty of donations by the locals, who we know have plenty to give. Masters Champion Raymond Floyd is involved among others. It’s clear that this is a “let your hair down and enjoy it” kind of place, a feeling that can be hard to find anywhere on Palm Beach, let alone on a golf course.
A $60 green fee for a par 3 course may seem steep, but it is worth it. 18 different par 3 holes ranging from 60 to 210 yards will keep you engaged and excited to step on every tee box aiming at flagsticks.
From Sam Snead to Erik Anders Lang this course has been enjoyed by the masses for generations. A course surrounded by wealth, but enjoyed by all.
-Single Fin
